Riau Islands in Indonesia: where they are and what to see

The Riau Islands are one of the most interesting island provinces of Indonesia, located between Singapore, Malaysia, and the island of Sumatra. The archipelago includes more than 3,000 islands. Tourists come here for the resorts of Bintan and Batam, opportunities for diving and snorkeling, and the unique cultural heritage of the Malay sultanates. We explain where the Riau Islands are located, how to get to the archipelago, and what is definitely worth seeing.

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Where the Riau Islands are located

The Riau Islands are in the Kepulauan Riau province. This is an incredible archipelago of thousands of islands in the western part of Indonesia, in the waters of the South China Sea. They are located off the southeastern coast of the island of Sumatra, not far from the Malay Peninsula. This province borders Singapore and Malaysia, which makes it a popular travel destination.

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Geography of Riau and the main islands

Administratively, the province is divided into five regencies: Anambas, Bintan, Karimun, Lingga, and Natuna. These areas are distinguished by diverse nature and unique culture, which attracts both lovers of exotic places and fans of active holidays.

The capital of the archipelago is the city of Tanjung Pinang, but the island of Batam has become the region's largest economic and cultural center.

The best-known islands are Bintan, Batam, and Karimun. Bintan is the largest and most developed, with many high-class accommodation options for tourists, while Batam has an international airport. To the west of Batam lies Karimun, known for beautiful beaches and a granite mine. Other well-known islands are Kundur, Moro, Natuna, and Anambas.

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Climate: when to go to Riau

The average temperature ranges from 26°C to 30°C all year round. The wet season in the region lasts from November to March, and the dry season from April to October.

• Dry season - the best period for a visit. Moderate humidity is good for beach walks, snorkeling, diving, and trips around the islands.
• Wet season brings heavier rainfall and higher humidity. Short, heavy downpours are often followed by sunshine. But the sea can be rather rough, which may interfere with snorkeling.

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Facts about the Riau Islands

• Most of the population lives in the Riau archipelago, especially on Batam, in Tanjung Pinang, or around it. The Natuna Islands are sparsely populated. Many islands have no name and are uninhabited.
• More than a third of the province's residents are Malays. They are followed by Javanese, then Minangkabau, Chinese, and Bataks in roughly equal proportions. The greatest ethnic diversity is seen on Batam, while Malays make up most of the population on the Natuna Islands.
• Almost three quarters of the population practice Islam. Christianity, mainly Protestantism, and Buddhism are also widespread. A small share of the residents of the Riau Islands are Hindus.
• Industry is developed on the islands. This part of Indonesia produces electronics, mineral and metal products, and plastics, and heavy engineering is developed. Mining, primarily bauxite, granite, and tin, has long been an important activity in the region, especially on the Riau and Lingga islands.

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Popular cities in Riau

• Batam: the largest city in the Riau Islands, known for its lively commercial activity and proximity to Singapore.
• Tanjung Pinang (Bintan) - the capital of the Riau Islands, from where you can get to Penyengat Island.
• Tarempa (Anambas Islands) - a charming town known for its scenic setting. It is the gateway to the beautiful Anambas archipelago.
• Karimun. An important port city with cultural sights and scenic beaches. It is the trade and industrial center of the island.
• Nagoya (Batam). The city is known for shopping centers, entertainment, and a wide range of restaurants.
• Sekupang (Batam) - a quiet area of Batam, home to the ferry terminal that connects it with Singapore.
• Kijang (Bintan) - an industrial town, a place of bauxite extraction, known for natural attractions.
• Lagoi (Bintan) - a resort area with luxurious rooms, golf courses, and very clean beaches, popular with tourists.

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Tourism in the Riau Islands

Accommodation and holidays here meet the highest standards: luxury resorts, prestigious hotels, and private islands on Batam and Bintan create ideal conditions for those who value comfort and privacy.

Bintan, especially its northern part, is particularly popular with residents of Singapore thanks to its close location and convenient ferry connection. This island is known for private beaches, resort areas, golf courses, and a wide range of water activities. At the same time, the eastern coast of Bintan is less developed and attracts travelers with its untouched nature and calm atmosphere.

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What to visit in the Riau Islands

For parties and nightlife, head to Bintan and Batam - you will find many beach bars and discos where visitors can dance until dawn. On the smaller islands, watching the sunset and walking along the shore are the main evening activities.

Those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy untouched nature should go to the islands of Pulau Subang Mas and Pulau Kundur. Their white beaches framed by lush greenery and scenic lagoons resemble the landscapes of the Maldives. However, these remote corners of the archipelago are not easy to reach, which makes them ideal for secluded holidays far from civilization.

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Elephant park in Riau

Bintan Elephant Park is one of the most popular tourist sites. Where else can you meet tame elephants and watch a show with them? The park also has sun bears, saltwater crocodiles, Komodo dragons, and other rare animals under protection. Besides the animals, the park has tropical gardens where vegetables grow.

The elephant park is located in Sebong Lagoi, Bintan district. The entrance ticket costs about 5 dollars for children and 10 dollars for adults.

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Bintan Island

This island is often visited by tourists: it has first-class golf courses, luxury resorts, and a magnificent sandy beach. Bintan suits those who want to snorkel or dive. In addition, the island has the authentic villages of Senggarang and Sebung, where Indonesian and Chinese cultures are mixed. Here you will find temples, infrastructure, and traditional dishes.

How to get there: by ferry from Singapore and Johor Bahru, or by flight to Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport on Bintan Island.

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The historic island of Penyengat

A holiday in the Riau Islands will be incomplete if you do not visit Penyengat Island. Here you will find a historical relic - the Grand Mosque of the Sultan of Riau, built using egg white.

The island also has many other historical structures: the Gunpowder Building, the Office Palace, Engku Bilik, and Bukit Kursi Defensive Fort. Each of these sights is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

It takes about 4 hours to reach the island from Singapore by bus and ferry. Transport costs range from $30 to $80.

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Barelang Bridge

Walk across Barelang Bridge and eat fried corn right on the street.

Barelang is the calling card of the island. This beautiful bridge suspended on cables is the first of seven bridges that lead to smaller islands. Evening is the best time to enjoy the view from the bridge.

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Snorkeling at Trikora Beach

Trikora Beach is a long stretch of white sand. Clubs and resorts are concentrated around the beach. By the way, this beach is a popular fishing point. There are several places where you can rent diving gear, but it is better to have your own equipment so you can dive freely. The beach is located on Bintan, near the village of Malang Rapat, Gunung district.

How to get there: from the city of Tanjung Pinang, it takes about 45 minutes by car or motorbike.

Enjoy the view of the Blue Lake

Bintan Blue Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the islands. It appeared in the place of a sand mine that is still operating today. The water has taken on an incredible shade. You can rent an ATV to ride around the lake. Although this place is open 24 hours, you need to pay an entrance ticket of about 1 dollar. ATV rental is about 45 dollars. The lake is located in the Mount Kijang area.

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How to get to the Riau Islands

By plane:

• To Batam. To Batam's Hang Nadim Airport, which regularly receives flights from Singapore (40 minutes) and Johor Bahru, Malaysia (1 hour). Hang Nadim International Airport in Batam also often has domestic flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, and other major cities in Indonesia.
• To Bintan. Raja Haji Fisabilillah Airport (TNJ), located in Tanjung Pinang on Bintan Island, receives domestic flights from Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia.

By ferry:

Ferries connect most of the Riau Islands.

• To Batam. Regular ferry services depart from HarbourFront Centre in Singapore to the Batam Centre, Sekupang, or Nongsa terminals in Batam. The trip takes about 45-70 minutes. You can also take a ferry to Batam from Singapore or Malaysia.
• To Bintan. Ferries run from Singapore's Tanah Merah terminal to Bandar Bentan Telani on Bintan. The trip takes about 60 minutes. Ferries to Bintan also run from Malaysia, Jakarta, and Sumatra.

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